Colleagues describe Emily Drake as “personally invested in her students,” a “creative and gifted educator” and someone who “challenges, mentors, and, through her teaching coaching and advising, ensures they become the best nurses they hope to be.”

More than three decades after earning an engineering degree from U.Va. and launching a successful career as a systems engineer, Catharine Carty has decided it’s time to give back. “Mental health, geriatrics, labor and delivery – I’m all in,” said the soon-to-be nurse.

A $5 million gift from Washington-area financier Bill Conway and his wife, Joanne, will provide funding for students in the School of Nursing’s graduate Clinical Nurse Leader program, as well as support for more faculty.